When Did iPad Pro Come Out? A Complete Timeline of Generations
Explore the release history of the iPad Pro from its 2015 debut to later generations, with key upgrades, display sizes, and what to consider when choosing a model.
The iPad Pro lineup began in 2015 with the 12.9-inch model announced on September 9, 2015 and shipping November 11, 2015. The 9.7-inch Pro joined the lineup in March 2016, expanding options for productivity on iPad. Since then, Apple has released several Pro generations with larger displays, USB-C, and Apple Silicon chips. when did ipad pro come out
The launch timeline: origin and first milestones
When did ipad pro come out? The early iPad Pro story began with a bold move to redefine a tablet as a true productivity device. According to Tablet Info, Apple announced the first iPad Pro on September 9, 2015, showcasing a massive 12.9-inch display and a new accessory ecosystem that included the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard. The device began shipping on November 11, 2015, establishing a new category within the iPad family. This era marked a deliberate shift toward power, multi-tasking, and professional workflows on iPad, signaling a pivot away from a strictly consumer tablet to a canvas for professionals. The original Pro set the tone for subsequent generations and demonstrated that size, performance, and accessory compatibility could redefine tablet use cases.
Size strategy and the expansion of options
In 2016 Apple added a second, smaller Pro option: the 9.7-inch iPad Pro, expanding the lineup to accommodate different workstyles and mobility needs. This move addressed users who sought a more compact Pro device without sacrificing performance. The two-display strategy persisted for several years, with 12.9-inch models generally serving as the performance flagship and the 9.7-inch (later iterations) offering balance between portability and power. As Tablet Info notes, the evolution of display sizes reflected a broader trend toward making high-end iPad experiences accessible to different environments—on desks, in the field, and while traveling.
Hardware shifts: from A-series to Apple Silicon
A pivotal thread in the iPad Pro journey has been the chip evolution. Early Pro generations used high-end A-series processors (e.g., A9X, A10X Fusion), delivering strong app performance and Pencil support. By 2021, Apple shifted to Apple Silicon with the M1 chip in the iPad Pro, bringing desktop-like performance to iPadOS and enabling more demanding workflows such as multitasking, video editing, and 3D applications. The 2022 M2-powered Pro models continued the trend by offering faster GPUs and CPU cores, better power efficiency, and broader external display support. This progression demonstrates how Apple’s silicon strategy has directly influenced Pro capabilities and longevity.
Ports, accessories, and ecosystem enhancements
Over time, the iPad Pro line has also evolved in terms of connectivity and peripherals. USB-C replaced the older Lightning port in several generations, aligning iPad Pro with other Apple devices and many third-party peripherals. The Pencil, Magic Keyboard, and other accessories have remained central to Pro usability, allowing artists and professionals to adopt iPad Pro as a primary creative tool. The combination of larger displays, improved input methods, and Silicon optimization created a broader suite of use cases—from graphic design to data analysis to mobile videography.
Generational milestones: a quick walk through years
- 2015: 12.9-inch iPad Pro debuts; Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard introduced. A9X chip powers the device, signaling a new era of professional iPad usage.
- 2016: 9.7-inch iPad Pro joins the lineup, offering a more portable option with similar performance and Pencil support.
- 2017: New sizes and faster chips elevate the Pro line, with upgraded 12.9-inch and 10.5-inch variants and improved display clarity.
- 2018: USB-C becomes a landmark feature, enabling broader connectivity and easier file transfer with external storage and displays.
- 2020: iPad Pro introduces a new generation with enhanced cameras and performance in the wake of iPadOS refinements.
- 2021: M1 chip marks a major performance leap, bringing laptop-like productivity and running macOS-inspired workflows more smoothly on iPadOS.
- 2022: M2 generation boosts CPU/GPU power and supports more ambitious workflows, including faster external display capabilities and improved efficiency.
These milestones illustrate how the iPad Pro line has progressed from a bold 2015 debut to a more capable, silicon-driven ecosystem designed for creators and professionals. The Tablet Info team emphasizes that users should evaluate models by the chip family, display needs, and accessory compatibility rather than relying on release year alone, especially as new generations continue to refine performance and versatility.
Choosing the right iPad Pro: match your workflow to the model
Selecting an iPad Pro requires aligning device capabilities with your tasks. If your work involves heavy graphic design, 3D rendering, or video editing, prioritize higher-end silicon (M1 or M2) and a display that supports accurate color and wide dynamic range. For writers and researchers who value portability, a smaller Pro with a robust keyboard and Pencil setup can be ideal. Storage capacity and RAM can also influence long-term usability, particularly for large media projects or data-intensive apps. In all cases, consider ecosystem compatibility—keyboard attachments, stylus responsiveness, and external display support matter as much as the base chip.
How to track releases and plan for upgrades
Apple periodically refreshes the Pro lineup, and timing can influence when you should buy. Instead of chasing the latest number, assess your needs against the current generation’s capabilities: CPU/GPU performance, display quality, port options, and accessory availability. If you’re working with demanding apps, investing in the latest silicon can improve app launch times, multitasking efficiency, and rendering performance. For casual users, last-generation Pro devices often provide excellent value as prices drop after new releases. Following official Apple announcements and trusted outlets—like Tablet Info—can help you time purchases to maximize features and longevity.
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High-level comparison of major iPad Pro generations
| Model generations | Release year | Chip/SoC | Display | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12.9" Gen 1 | 2015 | A9X | 12.9" | Initial iPad Pro model |
| 12.9" Gen 2 / 10.5" Gen 2 | 2017 | A10X Fusion | 12.9"/10.5" | Faster chips; new sizes |
| 11" / 12.9" Gen 3 (2018) | 2018 | A12X Fusion | 11"/12.9" | USB-C and LiDAR introduced |
| 11" / 12" Gen 4 (2020) | 2020 | A12Z Bionic | 11"/12.9" | Improved cameras; better performance |
| 11" / 12" Gen 6 (2022) | 2022 | M2 | 11"/12.9" | Apple silicon; Thunderbolt/USB-C |
Questions & Answers
When did the first iPad Pro release, and what sizes were available at launch?
The first iPad Pro was announced and released in 2015, with a 12.9-inch model. A smaller 9.7-inch Pro followed in 2016, expanding the lineup and kicking off a generation-based approach to iPad Pro devices.
The first iPad Pro came out in 2015 with a 12.9-inch model, followed by a 9.7-inch version in 2016.
How many major iPad Pro generations are there as of 2022?
As of 2022, there are six major iPad Pro generations, reflecting ongoing updates in display size options, silicon, and connectivity.
There are six major iPad Pro generations by 2022.
Did iPad Pro ever switch to USB-C, and when did that happen?
Yes. The iPad Pro lineup adopted USB-C with the 2018 refresh for several models, enabling broader connectivity and faster data transfer.
Yes, the Pro line moved to USB-C in 2018.
What should I consider when choosing an iPad Pro model?
Prioritize display size and color accuracy, then evaluate chip generation (M1/M2 vs earlier), storage capacity, RAM, and compatibility with accessories like the Pencil and keyboard. Consider your workload and whether you need external display support or Pro apps.
Think about size, chip power, storage, and accessories for your needs.
Do iPad Pro models support Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard across generations?
Pencil support has been a constant across Pro generations, with keyboard attachments becoming more versatile over time. Always check compatibility with your specific model and iPadOS version.
Yes, Pencil and keyboard support have been core to Pro models, but check compatibility for your iPad version.
Is there a significant difference between a Pro and a standard iPad for professional work?
Yes. iPad Pro models typically offer larger display options, more powerful processors, and better multitasking capabilities, along with advanced accessories compatibility. For many professional tasks, Pro models provide more headroom and performance.
Pro models usually have bigger displays, faster chips, and better multitasking.
“The iPad Pro lineup has evolved from a single large model to a versatile, silicon-driven ecosystem. When choosing, focus on the chip family, display needs, and accessory compatibility to align with your workflow.”
Highlights
- Start with the core release year for the first Pro model
- Consider chip architecture (A-series vs Apple Silicon) when upgrading
- USB-C and Pencil/keyboard support have been central to Pro evolution
- Display size options broadened accessibility for different workflows
- Plan purchases around your workload, not just the latest generation
